Yanukovych and closest 17 have assets blocked by EU

Euronews

Demonstrating the depth of its disapproval for the defunct regime of ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, the European Union has officially said it is freezing his assets wherever it can, and those of 17 of his hitherto closest associates.

The sanction measure includes Yanukovych’s two sons, the former internal affairs minister the former prosecutor-general, the former justice minister, the former head of administration and the former prime minister — and his son.

These people are said to be responsible for the misuse or disappearance of public funds. It was also announced attempts would be made to recover the money.

The move published in the formal EU journal was initially decided more than two weeks ago and then confirmed by the foreign ministers of the bloc.

The sanctions, to apply for an extendable 12-month period, were to have included a travel ban on these individuals within the EU, but this was dropped. Switzerland a few days ago said it was freezing the assets of 19 of the old guard.